Flexible Bone Fixation Device for Maxillo-Mandibular Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for maxillo-mandibular fixation, such as circumdental wiring and arch bars, are time-consuming, interfere with dental hygiene, and lack structural stability, posing risks during fracture treatment.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation system comprising first and second bone fixation devices with securement and attachment locations, using bone fasteners to embed into underlying bones, and a securement device to connect these devices for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circumdental wiring techniques are used, then the materials are inexpensive, but the technique is tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into separate modular components: fixation bodies that attach to bone, securement devices that connect the fixation bodies, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall application process compared to traditional wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
Securement devices act as intermediaries between the fixation bodies, providing a simplified connection mechanism instead of directly wiring teeth together. This intermediary component streamlines the fixation process and reduces the time required for application.
2Reliability
If circumdental wiring is used, then fixation is achieved, but it interferes with dental hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fixation mechanism from the dental arch wires and places it directly on the bone structure. By taking out the wiring component entirely and replacing it with bone-attached fixation bodies, dental hygiene is no longer interfered with while fixation stability is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation approach moves from a two-dimensional dental arch wire system to a three-dimensional bone-attached system. By anchoring fixation bodies directly to the bone in three-dimensional space, the system achieves stable fixation without requiring wires that wrap around teeth and interfere with hygiene.
3Reliability
If arch bars with wiring are used, then stabilization is provided, but the technique is time consuming and creates surgical glove puncture risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex wiring and arch bar components from the system, retaining only the essential bone fixation function. By extracting the unnecessary wiring elements, the system achieves stabilization with simpler components and reduced procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching fixation elements to teeth and then wiring them together (traditional approach), the invention inverts the sequence by directly attaching fixation bodies to bone and using securement devices for connection. This inversion simplifies the procedure and eliminates glove puncture risks associated with wire manipulation.
4Ease of manufacture
If screws are placed in mandible or maxilla, then fixation is achieved, but the system lacks overall structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple fixation bodies into a unified system connected by securement devices. This combination creates an integrated fixation structure that provides both ease of application and overall structural stability, overcoming the limitations of individual screw fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation bodies are designed with pre-configured attachment mechanisms and securement locations that facilitate stable connection before final securing. This preliminary configuration ensures structural stability is achieved during the fixation process without requiring complex assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for achieving maxillo-mandibular fixation includes a bone fixation device including a bone fixation body formed from a plurality of links. The links define corresponding crests and valleys so as to impart flexibility into the bone fixation body. Thus, the bone fixation body can be aligned with the dental arch of the mandible and maxilla as necessary, and subsequently fastened to the underlying bone. Each bone fixation device includes at least one securement location on the fixation body that can attach to a securement device, such that the securement device fixes or stabilizes the mandible and the maxilla with respect to each other.